Tip Leads To Capture Of Convicted Murderer Escapee

Authorities say a tip from a passing motorist led them to an escaped killer from a prison in Halifax County.

James Ladd, who was serving three life sentences, was captured just before 11:00 a.m. along Highway 125 near Scotland Neck.

The Department of Correction says a motorist told them about a man he had just seen running from the woods toward a nearby home. Teams then immediately responded and Ladd was found crouched down in an open garage attached to the house.

Ladd escaped Sunday from a state prison farm in Tillery. He now faces escape charges as well as internal prison disciplinary charges.

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The search continues today for a convicted murderer who escaped from a prison farm Sunday morning in Halifax County.

James Ladd was serving three consecutive life sentences for a 1981 robbery and shooting deaths of two men in Yadkin County.

The search for the escapee has extended as far as Rocky Mount and a helicopter was used overnight. More than 60 Prison Emergency Response Team members and prison officers, along with State Wildlife officers and Alcohol Law Enforcement agents are searching for Ladd.

Officers say Ladd was operating a tractor outside the Tillery Correctional Center. The tractor was found abandoned just before noon.

They say Ladd may have shaven his graying beard since his escape. He was last seen wearing green pants and a white t-shirt, but prison officials say the man may also have a pair of black pants.

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